March 24, 2015

I tested this for Diane of fromblankpages and this pattern is the Cadillac version.

One, it is available in 6", 12" 18" and 24". Yes, that 24" is a whopper and the size I tested. I wanted to also use this as a pillow cover, but am not sure if it will make the cut. I think my color choices were perhaps a bit off.

Enough about color and back to the pattern! All of the following is included with this pattern: links to paper piecing and color and design as well as cutting templates, coloring pages, design and color inspiration.

Let's talk about cutting templates. I usually think they are a waste and I don't need them.
But you know that feeling, in the pit of your stomach, when you flip over a piece of fabric and it isn't quite (big, long, tall) enough - ugh! hate that. Well, cutting templates eliminate that completely. Yes, you have some fabric waste, but that is better than having to rip out a seam with a 1.5 stitch length - you hear me?

Another advantage to her cutting templates is that she has exact instructions on how to orient the cutting templates with your fabric if directional.

What I am trying to say is that I appreciate that the cutting templates were included in this pattern. Not all pattern authors include that component.

March 23, 2015

I belong to the Fort Worth Modern Quilt Guild and our challenge for February included mini-charm squares, generously provided by Moda {Thank you United Notions!}.

We had a lot of latitude, make a mini quilt which doesn't exceed 24 x 24. Gah! It was so hard for me. Why? Well, The squares were too small to do HST's, every pattern I looked at was quite a bit larger than 24" square and my mind just wasn't in this. I had these laid out in so many configurations - really I thought an idea would just come to me and presto - it would be awesome. It didn't happen that way.

My favorite part of the quilting is the yellow (variegated orange/yellow thread) through the red and orange. In the first picture you can see it better, but I love how it blends and pops at the same time.

Working in Finance I utilize graphs and charts frequently so I attempted to make this into a chart, but it seems like a big fail to me. When I look at it I see no creativity, especially compared to the awesomeness that a bunch of ladies in my guild showed up with. Look at all these varieties!

yeah, mine is basic basic basic. How could sewing little squares together be so difficult?

Well, I had to turn this into a positive. When I showed it at our meeting, it wasn't bound yet (call me a slacker, I deserve it) so after the meeting I was determined to finish this and make a positive out of it. Binding! My favorite part - I love binding (by hand) so, I challenged myself to match the binding to the design. See? Bet you didn't notice it earlier or did you? The blue around the red and orange and the orange (my special stash of pezzy print) around the blue and green. What do you think of that?

The bottom is 1/8" off, but I'm ok with that. I really like this look of matched binding and I hope to use it in the future..

March 22, 2015

This is the mug rug that I made for my {secret} partner in the Spring Round of the Starbucks Mug Rug and Mug Swap.

You swap a Starbucks You are Here Mug, along with a mug rug. My partner really wanted a New Orleans mug, which I happen to have an extra of, so...she's getting it! I will say, although the swap was on both Flickr and Instagram, I much prefer Flickr. I know the app is less than desirable, but my partner had a private IG account. Really? How am I supposed to stalk you with a private IG?

Lesson learned - no IG swaps for me. If it isn't Flickr, I'm not doing it. Another reason for that is because I feel like the IG swaps are a bit more willy-nilly, yes, such a technical definition. It's just that on IG I think they go for volume and not necessarily a good match. I'm in quite a few private swaps with girls I admire and respect and who appreciate the time it takes to make something, but this has a different flavor.

Oh well, I made a mug rug in her favorite colors, and I hope it is well received!

Jolie Maxtin is a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertisting fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com, that I find useful.